THE ST. KILDA MAYORALTY.

Evening Star, Issue 22271, 24 February 1936, Page 10

THE ST. KILDA MAYORALTY.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —The announcement of the deputation to Mr J. J. Marlow praying that he should allow himself to be nominated for the mayoralty of St. Kilda did not come as a surprise. To those who take an interest in the affairs of the borough the whole 'business is very amusing. The unanimity cf the deputation was most impressive when, as a matter of fact, the deputation was the only solution to the petty jealousies of a few of the big wigs on the council who aspired to that honourable position. Prior to the death of the late mayor, Mr Leary, was not one of the new councillors very active in enrolling his supporters for the coining event? The deputy mayor (Cr Glue), lacking confidence in his own ability to win, although having a claim to the position, succumbed to the overtures to arrive at an understanding or agreement that as none of the councillors themselves were sure of their chances, none of them should stand, but invite an outsider to come forward, the choice falling upon Mr Marlow, and the opportunity was then taken to make a big song about avoiding an election. Mr Marlow is to lie commended for his accepting the position; but the electors generally may not be so sure as Mr Marlow. During the whole of Mr Marlow’s public career since he was mayor many years ago, he has taken no part in the public life of St Kilda beyond acting as chairman for many defeated candidates, and his activities a few years ago on behalf of amalgamation with the City of Dunedin. While this gentleman retained the confidence of the ratepayers of Dunedin all went well, but as soon as he is rejected in the city he wishes to fall back on the borough to assist him to regain his lost prestige. Good luck to him, anyway! It seems to me a pity when party politics are brbught up, and in support of this contention 1 would like to say that the fact of Crs Glue and Hinton having been district chairmen respectively and the candidate himself (Mr Marlow) executive chairman for Mr Sidey at the last general election, is proof that party politics in local body affairs are all right when they are sponsored by the right people.—l am, etc., > EIeCTOB. February 24. ' '